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DRIFTINGS 



SEGAI. 



PREBS OF 

REVIEW PtJBLISHINO A PRINTING CO. 

N. W. COR. LOCUST AND FOURTH STREETS, PHILADELPHIA 

1907 






fuBBARY of CONGRESS* 

Two CoolK Receivod 

SEP 19 I90r 

Copyncht Entry 

CUSS^V^ XXc., Ho. 
COPY D. 



J 



Copyright 1907 

by 

JosBPHiNB Skoal 



DEDICATED 



TO 



MY SON 



BERL SEGAL 



It is not the wise that criticise, 
{'Tis ignorance that fetters); 

We hesitate to know our fate 
Among the men of letters. 



CONTENTS 



Talent 7 

Depth 8 

The Poet's Soul 9 

Judge Not 11 

Unshed Tears 12 

Satisfied 14 

Sleep 14 

Love 15 

My Mother's Grave 16 

A Friend Departed 17 

Twenty-hundred-and-one 18 

Grandmother's Girls 19 

The Dying Captain 20 

Baby 21 

Deceiving 22 

Destiny 23 

Acrostic 24 

Love and Life 25 

Dreamings 26 

Lines on Helen Hunt Jackson's 

Grave 28 

SmUes 30 

Duty 32 

Request 33 

Reflection 34 

The Lovers 36 

Death 37 

Thoughts 38 

Summer 40 

Smiles 40 

Heroes 41 

True Love 42 

Advice 44 

Prayer 45 

The Garden of the Gods 46 

The Dying Mother 47 

Unfaith 48 

Farewell 49 

Relever la Tele 51 

The Bride 52 

Changing 53 

Night 55 

Regretting 56 

Memories 57 

Springtime 58 

One-and-twenty 59 

Betrayed 61 

Sarcasm 62 



Alter Ego 63 

In the ' 'Garden of the Gods" 64 

Retribution 65 

My First Cigar 66 

Request 68 

Wifely Duty 69 

Smiles 70 

Parted 71 

Truth 72 

Friends 73 

Prayer 74 

Reminiscence 75 

Predestination 76 

Acrostic 76 

Eternity 76 

Transition 77 

Colorado 78 

Absent 79 

Life 79 

I Love Thee So 80 

Beautiful Eyes 81 

Requiescat in Pace 82 

A Letter (written to Denver Press 

Club) 83 

Reflection 85 

The Tryst 86 

Life 86 

Death 86 

Charity 87 

Lullaby 88 

Acrostic 90 

Fancies 90 

Inconstant 91 

Slumberland 92 

Indecision 93 

Liars 94 

The Soul 96 

Love 96 

Forget Me Not 97 

Death 97 

Gone 98 

Do Your Best 98 

The Magdelene 99 

Omaha 100 

Fairyland 101 

Gethsemane 107 

Acrostic 108 



TALENT 



Talents hidden, never to see the Ught, 

Doth cheat the world of much 
That is the ages' right. 

When God his gifts bestow 

To fellow mortals here below, 
It is a law; and by all 

Laws we should abide : 

Not seek to hide 
The talents given. 

Great or small, 

Try to cultivate them all; 
Give to the world the best 

Of all we know, — 

God wills it so. 



DRIFTINGS 



DEPTH 



There are hearts so sad, 
That lips could not tell 
Their woe. 

There are tears so bitter 
In their intensity, 
They cannot flow. 

From the eyes of the world 
There are griefs that are hidden 
So deep : — 

The soul from the body 
Is severed by death 
With their keep. 



DRIFT IN GS 



THE POEPS SOUL 



If leaf by leaf, a rose most rare 
Is plucked and scattered on the air, 
Gather them up, let none remain, 
Try and put them together again. 

The poet will gather them, one by one, 
At the end of the day, his work is done; 
The rosy petals, rare and sweet, 
Bloom again a rose complete. 

He finds that words are plastic things. 
And out of chaos beauty brings ; 
The murky clouds bring no despair, 
He sees the silver lining there. 

He mounts Pegasus' spacious back, 
And rides beyond the beaten track; 
He is lifted by the passing breeze, 
And wafted over summer seas. 



10 DRIFTJNGS 



He stands upon his native land, 
And sees far India's coral strand; 
Imagination has control 
Of every sense within his soul. 

He has no words at his command, 
To make the proud world understand; 
The changing moods of nature's plan 
Is God's wise way for every man. 

Like the hidden lesson of the rose. 
That the heedless world never knows : 
It buds and blossoms — then, withered, lies, 
To bloom again in Paradise. 



DRIFT INGS 11 



JUDGE NOT 



'Tis unjust to judge — judge not! 
Let all evil be forgot; 
Let thy words be words of cheer, 
The time is short that we are here. 

Fill thy heart with tenderness, 
Let thy looks be a caress; 
Scatter sunshine in the way 
Of everyone you meet to-day. 

Hear no evil of a friend, 
Speak no word that may offend; 
See no wrong you cannot right. 
Help the blind to see the light. 

Do not frown on friend or foe. 
Smile on everyone you know ; 
A pleasant word, with a cheery ring, 
Will often make a sad heart sing. 

Give the best you have to give. 
Scatter roses while you live; 
Give your love, give life, give all — 
Too soon they're gone beyond recall. 



12 DRI FTINGS 



UNSHED TEARS 



God pity the heart that tries to hide 

From the world its burden of woe; 
Whose prayers for help to one who knows, 

Are murmured soft and low — 
And only one, 'tis God, who hears 
The ebbing tide of the unshed tears. 

'Tis a loyal heart that loves too well, 
And its crushing sorrow in sad lines tell 

Upon a face, once fair to see, 
That fain would hide its misery 

From the eyes of the world, and its covert sneers. 

Its secret sorrows and its unshed tears. 

O, loving heart, so tender and true, 

Unfortunate they who thy love eschew; 

For in all this world, and its busy mart. 
There beats no truer or braver heart — 

Waiting for happiness, till hope disappears, 

And weights the sad heart with its unshed tears. 

Brave is the heart, when fraught with sorrow, 
That looks for the dawn of a brighter to-morrow; 

That heart may break, but will not bend, 
In silence will ache to the bitter end — 

Though crushed and bleeding,withtheburdenof years, 

The world will ne'er know of its unshed tears. 



DRIFTINGS 13 



The peace and rest that sad hearts crave, 
Will surely be found in the silent grave; 

For no greater sorrow can pen portray 
Than a smiling face that would hide away 

Its troubles and cares, and secret fears. 

And the breaking heart with its unshed tears. 



14 DRIFTINGS 



SATISFIED 



I care not for the world's cold praise, 
Only for a home — and peaceful days; 
I would not change with crowned kings 
The joys and love sweet home-life brings. 



SLEEP 



Sleep, sleep, blessed sleep — 

As Morpheus o'er the senses creep, 

And lulls the woes of the aching heart 
Like a softened light 
That ebbs and flows 
To evening glows, 

We to Slumberland depart. 

Sleep, sleep, balmy sleep — 
Angels fair thy vigils keep. 

How soft and even is the breath, 
And shadow into 
Darkness grows. 
The weary eyelids 
Gently close — 

The soul is lost in transient death. 



DRI FTI NGS 15 



LOVE 



How many can prove 
The beauties of love, 

And hearts, both loyal and true; 
The fortunate hold 
This chalice of gold 

And sip the infinite dew. 
The world seems wrong, 
And ribald the song 

That sings of love and glory, 
To the heart of the maid 
Whose love is betrayed 

By the tempter's artful story. 



16 DRIFTINGS 



MYMOTHER^S GRAVE 



In the village churchyard 

She is sleeping now, 
With a look of peace 

On her gentle brow; 
Her grave is covered 

By winter snows, 
Where the beautiful Seneca 

Ebbs and flows. 

They who have known 

A mother's love. 
Need no words 

Of mine to prove 
The loyal devotion 

Of heart and hand, 
That only true 

Motherhood understand. 

While life shall last. 

In our memory lingers 
The soft, cool touch 

Of our mother's fingers 
On our fevered brow, 

In the lone night hours — 
O, mother love! 

As pure as the flowers. 



DRIFTINGS 17 



A FRIEND DEPARTED 



O, can it be that I no more shall see 

Thy smiling face ? 
Never more behold thy loved form 

So full of grace ? 
I cannot give thee up, it must not be, 
I will beg of God to give thee back to me. 

O, dear sweet face, that smiled 

Alike on friends and foes; 
O, merry heart, that cheered us 

In our woes : 
Thou art in heaven, so bright and fair, 
A star among the angels there. 



18 DRIFT INGS 



TWENTY HUNDRED-AND-ONE 



We hope to fly above the clouds, 

To sail o'er the Alps on wings; 
We expect to swim beneath the sea, 

And do unheard of things 
That ne'er was seen or known before, 

Our ancestors could not have done; 
For we will fly from shore to shore, 

In twenty-hundred-and-one. 

We expect to visit neighbor Mars, 

In an electric air balloon ; 
We'll also call on the lesser stars, 

And then explore the moon. 
Perhaps we may annex them all. 

For if they can be won. 
The U. S. A. will have a boom, 

In twenty-hundred-and-one. 

Rise up, ye dames, and seek for fame 

And woman's veneration; 
We've had the name, we'll have the game. 

Of man's degeneration. 
Ye Gods of Clay! you've had your day, 

The battle has begun; 
We will arrange this mighty change, 

In twenty-hundred-and-one. 



DRIFTINGS 19 



GRANDMOTHER'S GIRLS 



Grandmother's girls, grandmother's girls, 
Without the poke bonnet, without the long curls; 
Without the soft simper, and languishing air — 
O, girls of the past, you cannot compare 
With our beautiful girls of to-day. 

With eyes full of laughter, and hearts full of glee. 
With strong springy footstep, so bouyant and free; 
Which plenty of ozone, and good exercise. 
Has reddened the cheeks, and brightened the eyes 
Of our beautiful girls of to-day. 

The embroidery frame is now seldom seen, 
The old spinning wheel is used for a screen. 
It's beribboned and gilded and sits by the hearth. 
And the ones that could use them have flitted from 
earth. 

And we have in their place, 
Girls ruddy of face. 

And all of them handsome, I trow ! 
Old maids, at last, 
Are a thing of the past, 

As we have no grandmothers now. 



20 DRI FTINGS 



THE DYING CAPTAIN 



Is this the end? 

Can I no more the cause defend, 
Or lead my brave and gallant men 
To battle — ^victory? And then 
The enemy rout 
Then wheel about, 
And shout — 
Victory ! 

Can this be death 
That brings this labored breath? 
Can I no more charge with my valiant corpi 
With sabres clashing, 
As onward dashing 
In their fearless way, 
They win the day, 
And cry — 
Victory ! 



DRI FTI NGS 21 



BABY 



Like a little flower in the morning light — 
Blasted, and withered, and dead at night — 
It came in all its beauty and joy, 
Our little baby, our brown-haired boy. 

The lovelight shone in the mother's eyes, 

As she gazed on this jewel that came from the skies; 

And her heart went out in silent prayer 

To God, who sent this child so fair. 

God knoweth best, we may not see. 
We must not question his decree; 
His mission here was not in vain, 
God sent — God called him back again. 

Naught is so beautiful, sweet and mild, 
As the innocent face of a little child; 
Heaven sends them to earth for reasons untold. 
Then gathers them back again into the fold. 



22 DRI FTINGS 



DECEIVING 



He who thinks that he can read 
Another's thoughts, by word or deed, 
Was never more mistaken when — 
Thus — to learn the Uves of men. 

For he who writes of others' woes, 
Does not his own sad hfe disclose; 
Too well he knows that sighs, and tears 
No pity brings, but covert sneers. 

" 'Tis better far to bear the cross 
Than in this world to suffer loss" 
Of self-respect, of faith destroyed — 
All. this the poet would avoid. 

He who writes of hapless wights. 
Their joys, and sorrows, and human rights; 
'Tis the tears and smiles of other men, 
He wields the product of his pen. 

For deep within the poet's soul. 
Hatred and love are in control; 
He tells not to the world's cold ears 
His joys and sorrows, smiles and tears. 



DRIFTINGS 23 



DESTINY 



As mom her rosy pennants fly 
Out upon the eastern sky, 

A day's begun; 
As night her sable garments spread, 
Upon earth's green and downy bed, 

The day is done. 

An acorn shoot from the earth has come, 
To revel in the rain and sun, 

An oak to be ; 
But, wintry winds come from the north 
That blast and wither it to earth, 

A blighted tree. 

The sands that lie upon the shore, 
With shells that echo the ocean's roar, 

Are cast there one by one; 
The waves that come from the ocean main, 
And then recede to the sea again, 

To ride the billow's foam. 

With pain and labor a soul is brought 
Into this world, for good, for naught, 

A life's begun; 
Death takes it in his cruel clasp, 
A sigh — a breath — a strangled gasp — 

And life is done. 



24 DRIFTINGS 



ACROSTIC 



Hearts that love can ne'er grow old, 
Even though the world seems cold ; 
Love can warm the sunless skies, 
Even when dark clouds arise — 
Nothing daunts — Love never dies ! 

Be thy days all happy days, 
Always basking in love's rays; 
Never clouds of sorrow come, 
Kept from grief and care alway — 
Sunshine then will come to stay. 

Serve thy God, it is thy duty. 
Every day and hour; 
Goodness brings us love and beauty, 
And blossoms into flower — 
Love is beauty's dower. 



DRIFTINGS 25 



LOVE AND LIFE 



'Tis love, not life, I would defend, 
For love endureth to the end; 
Earth hath no sorrow, life no care. 
That a heart with love will not bear 
In cheerfulness and vowed content. 
Knowing from whence the cross is sent. 
God in his wisdom doth bestow, 
To saint and sinner here below. 
Many blessings; and in each heart 
The knowledge of good and bad impart; 
But, when love lives, then life is blest, 
And when love dies, then death is best. 



26 DRIF TINGS 



DREAMINQS 



One night in June 

When the stars shone bright, 

In the silvery summer sky; 

The moon was shedding 

Her gentle light, 

From her lofty throne on high. 

I can never forget 

How I dreamed that night, 

Of fortune, glory and fame; 

And looked in the future 

With keen delight, 

For a fair and honored name. 

'Tis the same old moon 

I gazed upon, 

In my far-off childhood home; 

The same soft clouds 

That float above, 

In yonder starry dome. 

I see with different 

Eyes to-night. 

The starry dome and the moon's pale light; 

In the thoughts of youth. 

When health}^ and strong, 

'Tis the joy of living, the whole day long. 



DRI FTINGS 27 



But he who hath Uved 

Three-score and ten, 

And has fought the battle of hfe and men; 

Plans not for the future. 

Time fleets too fast, 

But lives in the happy days of the past. 



28 DRI FTINGS 



LINES ON HELEN HUNT JACKSON^S GRAVE 



High, high upon the mountain's crest, 
A lonely grave was made; 
And there within its rocky depths, 
A form so fair was laid. 

As through the silent, solemn pines, 
The gentle zephyr softly winds; 
A requiem sweet to her who lies 
Beneath the sunny, cloudless skies. 

Thy mission here, one that love imparts 
Has left its imprint on our hearts ; 
As one and all their tribute gave, 
A rock was laid upon her grave. 

A silent tear, a prayer, a sigh. 
Was wafted with our thoughts on high 
To her, whose soul is far above 
With angels in the realms of love. 






SEVEN FALLS 



DRIFTINGS 29 



On every side we seem to see 
God's work in all its majesty; 
The "Seven Falls, " in all its pride, 
Comes rushing down the mountain side. 

It leaps from crag to crag away, 
As 'twere a bare-foot boy at play ; 
Then splashing, sparkling, foaming so, 
It falls upon the rocks below. 

Then laughing in the sunlight's beam, 
It follows down the mountain stream ; 
O'er these great crags and rocky crests. 
The eagles soar and make their nests. 

The wonders of this beauteous spot, 
Once seen, can never be forgot; 
Rest, gentle one, in thy aerie grave, 
Thy spirits gone to God who gave. 



30 DRIFTINGS 



SMILES 



There are smiles that show 

A heart of gladness; 
There are smiles that give us 

A gleam of madness. 
But the hardest of all 

Is the undertaking, 
To smile to the world 

When the heart is breaking. 

With garlands of smiles 

The face to wreathe; 
To cover the grave 

Of their hopes beneath. 
As wavelets ripple, 

Smile and glow. 
Over the corpse 

That lies below. 

So will the heart 

That dreads the sneers, 
Hide with a smile 

Its griefs and tears. 
So judge not hearts 

By the faces you see ; 
'Neath smiles you'll find sorrow, 

With tears there is glee. 



DRI FTINGS 31 



There is wrong in deceiving, 

Though it is best to deceive; 
Friends share with our pleasures, 

But our sorrows will leave. 
Then smile to the world, 

And conceal all your sorrows; 
As unhappy to-days 

May bring glad to-morrows. 



32 DRIFT IN GS 



DUTY 



Thou stem and silent monitor, 
Whose iron hand doth sway 

The inmost soul within us 
To guide us on life's way. 

Who conscious of thy will to stay, 
To keep our actions right; 

We may demur; but we obey, 
Although our life it blight. 

The dictates of a noble heart 

Will ever hear to thee; 
Though love and happiness depart, 

They bow to destiny. 

Though honor, purity and right 
May sway them to the last, 

'Tis duty's firm, relentless hand 
That holds them firm and fast. 



DRI FTINGS 33 



REQUEST 



Place no flowers on my tomb, 

To waste their fragrance there; 
Send them to some hving friend, 

Who will sense their beauty rare. 
The stately rose, to whose dignity. 

All other flowers bow — 
I do not want them on my grave, 

/ want my roses now. 

The lily of the valley, 

The violet so sweet; 
The primrose with its soft green leaves, 

So dainty, trim and neat. 
Give me one, or give me all 

I care not when or how; 
But do not place them on my grave, 

/ want my flowers now. 



34 DRIFTINGS 



REFLECTION 



The soft breath of summer 

Sweeps over my brow; 
And I hear a sweet voice 

Whispering now — 
Sweet peace to my soul 

That the future will bring ; 
Rest, happiness and love 

To the weary heart sing. 

" Be patient ! " the spirit 

Is telling me now; 
And I feel the light touch 

Of her hand on my brow — 
Soothing my senses 

To calmness and rest; 
Subduing the turbulence 

Rife in my breast. 

'Tis a pleasure to dream, 

With sweet spirits commune ; 
Like dew to the desert, 

A God-given boon. 
We soar far above 

This sordid old earth ; 
And revel in sunshine 

Of glory and mirth. 



DRI FTINGS 35 



Where love, faith and hope, 

And beautiful truth, 
Bask in the smiles 

Of innocent youth — 
Where unending time 

Into eternity roll; 
We know as we're known, 

'Tis the feast to the soul. 



36 DRI FTINGS 



THE LOVERS 



The clouds are suffused with a rosy hue, 
The sky takes on a deeper blue. 

As over the springy earth they pass, 
Their feet seem scarcely to touch the grass. 

Earth to them now is a paradise. 

For they see the world in each other's eyes. 

They seek not fame nor sordid wealth. 
Only their love and sturdy health. 

On the journey of life till life shall cease. 
Content with love, and joy, and peace. 

'Tis well that God hath not allowed 
That we shall see beyond the rosy cloud — 

The dire distress that awaits us on life's sea, 
Or know the path that leads to destiny. 



DRl FTINGS 37 



DEATH 



What is death? 'Tis a path of Hght 
Which leads to all things bright ; 

Yet how wearily we plod. 
The road that now seems dark and drear, 
Will brighter grow as heaven draws near, 

Nearer home and God. 

We all the same sad way must go. 
And go alone; God wills it so; 

We must not question his decree. 
But when beyond the dark oblivion sea, 
Our eyes will know the light. 

And we shall see. 



38 DRIFTINGS 



THOUGHTS 



What a pleasant place this world would be, 
If we could from all evil flee; 
If only pleasant thoughts would stay, 
And all the bad ones go away. 

Evil thoughts corrupt the mind, 
They leave their serpent trail behind ; 
The heart is open to all sin, 
When once the evil thoughts are in. 

The prisoner within his cell. 
His thoughts upon the past will dwell; 
His downward path he well can trace 
To evil thoughts he would efface. 

He sees them staring from the wall, 
The thoughts that led to his downfall; 
And sitting in the prison dim, 
'Tis thoughts that bring remorse to him. 



DRIFTINGS 39 



He thinks of days long past, when he 
Was sitting on his mother's knee; 
He seems to hear her dear voice say : 
"God keep my boy from harm alway." 

He questions the unanswered prayer, 
Also the fate that brought him there; 
But conscience speaks in louder voice : 
" From good and evil you made you choice. ' 

"Conscience makes cowards of us all," 
When sins committed are beyond recall; 
The havoc in our lives is wrought, 
Sometimes, by just a little want of thought. 



40 DRIFTINGS 



SUMMER 



Softly the breezes waft to and fro, 
Emerald branches drooping low; 
Cloudlets floating in azure space, 
A world of beauty in every place. 

The happiest season of every clime 
Is ever its glorious summer time; 
After the winter cold and drear, 
All are glad when summer is here. 



SMILES 



Smiles are better far than frowns to give 
The erring one, who fain would live 
A better life, and follies past forget, 
To cultivate the good that God hath given, 
And find at death a peaceful heaven. 



DRIFT IN GS 41 



HEROES 



Deeds of daring and valor won, 

No coward hearts achieve; 
'Tis the brave and the dauntless, 
When the day is done. 

That so modestly receive 
Their mete of praise; 
That so loud proclaim 

Them heros of the day; 
They boast not of their deeds of fame, 

They make no vain display. 

Go to the archives of ancient lore, 

And search the records over; 
Where'er you find a gallant knight, 

There also find the lover. 
Courageous men, like knights of old. 

Are tender, kind and true; 
Always valiant, proud and bold. 

When they go forth to woo. 



42 DRI FTI NGS 



TRUE LOVE 



Few the mortals here below, 
Receive this jewel born in snow. 

It Cometh forth in morning light, 
Clothed in its robes of purest white. 

When the rainbow rays of the morning sun 
Proclaim to earth that day is begun : 

This little gem that's born in snow. 

Feels the warmth of the sun's bright glow. 

It revels in light, and balmy air. 
It has no thought of sorrow or care. 

The day advances — the noonday heat 
Upon this snov\^-white blossom beat. 

'Tis scorched and withered in an hour, 
So sensitive is this little flower. 



DRIFTI NGS 43 



Then comes a gentle shower at length, 
That soon revives its failing strength. 

But, alas, with the heat, the wind and rain, 
This beautiful flower is never the same. 

And as the evening of the day draws near. 
All shivering and cold, with numb vague fear — 

Broken and wet, it sobbed, and sighed, 
Drooped its fair head on its breast and died. 

Love cherished, brings forth a beautiful soul; 
A cherub from heaven its birth, and its goal. 

Love lies deep in the chalice cup, 
Like a drop of nectar that few can sup. 

This precious love that gods would sip. 
Awaits the touch of an angel's lip. 



44 DRI FTINGS 



ADVICE 



Think not of the troubles that burden you so, 
But think of the blessings that God doth bestow; 
The cares and sorrows that seem such a curse, 
Could be weighted with grievings a thousand times 
worse. 

Think only of God and his infinite good 
Forget the false friends that have not understood 
Natures like thine, so exalted and true,— 
'Tis the prideful spirits God loves to subdue. 

There are heroic souls the world wots not of, 
'Tis the strife of the spirit calling help from above; 
To contend with the sins and temptations of earth, 
To make or to mar the heritage of birth. 



DRIFTINGS 45 



PRAYER 



God give me strength to bear the weight 

Of the heavy cross upon me ; 
Give me patience, faith, and hope 

For the future cares that bind me. 
Make me humble, meek, and mild. 
Give me the faith of a little child. 
Bring me to thee undefiled — 

Amen. 

Do not let me wander, Lord, 

Far from thee and heaven ; 
Bring me, Lord, unto thy throne. 

With all my sins forgiven. 
I bow my head for thee to bless, 
Give me. Lord, divine caress, 
End my days in happiness — 

Amen. 

Make me worthy, God, to be 

One of the annointed ; 
Bring me in thy fold, O Lord, 

Among the lambs appointed. 
Give me voice to sing thy praise, 
Help me teach thy loving ways. 
Live a life of useful days — 

Amen. 



46 DRIFTINGS 



THE GARDEN OF THE GODS 



With pride and awe we stood upon 
Those seeming sacred sods; 

So wondrous is the beauty there, 
In the "Garden of the Gods. " 

The mighty rocks that stand so high, 
As their crescents brightly gleam 

Against the silent moonlit sky, 
Like giant sentries seem. 

The watchfires blazed upon the hill, 
Our campfires burned below; 

The mystic scene our senses thrill, 
O'er all a lurid glow. 

What man could stand within this place, 
Where these noble mountains nod; 

And to the heavens raise his face 
And say:— "There is no God?" 



DRIFT INGS 47 

THE DYING MOTHER 



Come, child, and sit beside me, 

I am dying now, I fear; 
The soul will take its upward flight, 

That has known but sorrow here. 

In this world of pain and trial 
Little joy I e'er have known; 

And there is none but you to miss me. 
When my spirit shall have flown. 

Many hours of grief and sadness, 

Many days of bitter pain ; 
And few the days of gladness 

I shall ever know again. 

And my soul is ever longing 
For that brighter, better land, 

Where in freedom I can wander 
Guided by no tyrant's hand. 

Where love, and truth, and honor. 

In all glory shall prevail; 
Where innocence and beauty 

Knoweth not the serpent's trail. 



48 DRIFTINGS 



UNFAITH 



Oh! dearest friend what doth thou saith? 
"In simple prayer," thou hast no faith.— 

Kneel down and ask thy God to give, 
Faith and hope whereby to live. 

Ask for guidance, love and trust, 
And to thy fellow-men be just. 

And with the faults of those forbear, 
That need Thy loving help and care. 

Bear with fortitude and pride, 
All the woes that thee betide. 

And as ye pray, believe ! believe ! 
That all ye ask for ye '11 receive. 

God knows no church, no sect, no creed. 
He gives to all just what they need. 

So lose not faith in simple prayer, 
Remember God is everywhere. 



DRI FTI NGS 49 



FAREWELL 



You have broken the heart that loved you so, 

And madness in my brain will flow ; 

I'll tear your image from my heart. 

And quickly dry the tears that start. 

From your presence I will flee, 

That I no more your face shall see. 

I would the past and you forget, 

That I so bitterly regret; 

I'll rend the chain of love that bound, 

My breaking heart to free. 

I'll give you back the tokens rare 

That you have sent to me. 

I thought your heart was free from guile, 
That heaven was in your gladsome smile; 
And every winsome look you gave, 
Made me more your willing slave. 
O, God! I little thought that you 
Would win my heart, then prove untrue. 



so DRIFTINGS 



In silence and tears I've borne, till at last, 

My senses whirl like a leaf in the blast; 

Tis vain, when once upon the brink, 

To from the cup of hope to drink. 

When affection's chain is severed, time can ne'er 
restore, 

My love for you will ne'er return; 'tis gone for ever- 
more. 

The honeyed words you knew so well. 
To my listening ear you loved to tell; 
I did not dream there lurked beneath 
A poisoned dagger in its sheath 
To pierce the heart you would betray — 
God will avenge this wrong some day. 



DRIFTINGS 61 



RELEVER LA TETE 



Never look down, 
Though fate on you frown, 

And the soul is steeped in despair; 
Guard well the face, 
That no one can trace 

The lines of sorrow and care. 

We know not what sorrow 
Awaits us to-morrow. 

So let us be kind to each other; 
Don't "cast the first stone, " 
Leave the sinner alone, 

God has made him your brother. 

When cast down in woe. 
Too soon you will know 

When the hour of trial draws near; 
Like bubbles of light 
That fade in the night, 

"Sunny-day friends" disappear. 

'Tis then you may laugh, 
For you sift out the chaff, 

And the faithful and true hearts appear; 
It is then fate tends 
To show us our friends, 

And sunshine follows the tear. 



52 DRI FTINGS 



THE BRIDE 



Thou art starting out 
On the journey of hfe, 

With prospects bright and fair; 
A wealth of love 
In thy innocent heart, 

With virtue and beauty rare. 
May thy pathway of life, 
Be strewn with gems, 

Of love and truth divine; 
May peace, and happiness, 
And God's best gifts, 

Around thy life entwine. 
May sorrow and care 
Never come, 

To mar thy peaceful brow; 
May health and v>^ealth 
Bring every joy. 

Unto thy future now. 



DRIFTINGS 53 

CHANGING 



Who used to woo with words of love, 
And swear by all the stars above 
That I was an angel, a turtle dove? 

My lover. 

Who used to plead for just — one — kiss ! 
Declare there was no earthly bliss 
That could compare (I believed all this)? 

My lover. 

Who came at eve and staid till late, 
And hung upon my father 's gate, 
Calling me dear — his own, dear fate? 

My lover. 

Who clasped me to his manly breast, 
And vowed in all the east or west, 
Of girls I was the sweetest, best? 

My lover. 

Who said if I would be his wife, 
He'd love and cherish me through life, 
And shield me from all harm and strife? 

My lover. 



S4 DRIFTINGS 



Things have changed; we're married now — 
Who has forgotten every vow, 
And every day kicks up a "row"? 

My husband. 

Who says I am his luckless fate, 
And scolds me when the dinner's late, 
And swears he "hates the married state"? 

My husband. 

And when the children cry at night, 
If I get up and strike a light, 
Who says I do it "just for spite " ? 

My husband. 

When he can have his liberty. 
He's just as nice as he can be, 
I do not care to change — you see? 

My husband. 



DRIFTINGS 



NIGHT 



Silent night ! Tired nature seeking rest ! 

As falls thy garment of sable hue, 

The sweet perfume, the fragrant dew, 

Weary martals findeth peace, when sore oppressed, 

On thy tranquil, restful breast. 

When naught but the cry of the whip-poor-will. 

Or a merry cricket piping shrill. 

A restless, murmuring woodland stream 

Sparkles in the light of the moon's pale beam; 

The twinkling stars that are hid by day 

Come forth and dance in the Milky Way, 

The soft, low music of the rustling leaves, 

That are gently stirred by the evening breeze; 

The perfumed breath of summer flowers. 

That hide their beauty in leafy bowers. 

At night, when all is peacefulness. 

The heavens seem fondly to caress 

The tired earth, as if to keep 

A watch when all of nature sleep — 

Then hail ! O Night ! Upon thy brov^ 

We place the crown of beaut y now. 



56 DRIFT INGS 



REGRETTING 



You told me that you loved me, 

And I smiled in quiet scorn; 
But you drew me gently to you, 

And in accents most forlorn 
You begged of me to listen; 

Of you, love, I made most light; 
Your passion then oppressed me, 

But my heart responds to-night. 

Your tender words steal o'er me 

In the twilight here alone; 
I dread the life before me, 

And the past I now atone. 
If I'd listened to your pleading. 

My future would be bright ; 
To you, love, my thoughts are leading, 

And my heart responds to-night. 

But, alas, you have forgotten, 

And your love's beyond recall; 
I do not blame you, darling. 

For my pride has done it all. 
I'm so sorry I repulsed you, dear. 

You see I'm most contrite; 
I would listen now to your words of love. 

For my heart responds to-night. 



DRI FTINGS 57 



MEMORIES 



In the twilight I'm thinking o'er 
The beautiful days of the past ; 

The joys I see from memory's shore 
From sight are fading fast. 

For Memory's but a treacherous jade, 
That leads our thoughts astray; 

The brighest days will oftime fade, 
Like cloud lands far away. 

The restless years go on and on. 

Like rivers to the sea; 
And since you died I have no home, 

All lands are the same to me. 

I wonder will we meet again. 

And be again united; 
To know, and love, as we did of old, 

And renew the vows we plighted. 



58 DRI FTINGS 



SPRINGTIME 



Beautiful Springtime, thou art here. 
The most welcome season of the year, 
In all thy varied lovliness. 
After the winter's dreariness. 

The snows of the past seem but a dream, 
When all nature with life doth teem; 
When beautiful sunshine and balmy rain 
Bring forth buds and blossoms again. 

And while we inhale the sweet perfume 
Of woodland flowers in their bloom. 
And myriad birds that sweetly sing — 
How gladly we welcome thee, O Spring! 



DRI FTINGS 59* 



ONE = AND = TWENTY 



I met a simpering, shrill- voiced maid, 
She was quite alone, she said; 

Her hair was scant and flatly laid 
In "catch beaux" 'round her head. 

She had a staid, "school-mistress" air, 

And was very plainly clad; 
Her eyes "toed" in with painful stare, 

Her glances made me sad. 

"Years thou doth number, gentle maid, 

How many may there be?" 
"Just one-and -twenty, sir!" she said, 

And glanced in rage at me. 

" You, one-and-twenty, maiden shy ? 

Pray tell how that can be; 
Those "crows' feet" around the eye 

Say forty, sure, to me. " 

Then did this faded maiden say: 
"Who knows best, you or I? 

I'll not be twenty-two till May, 
You're very rude, sir — fie!" 



60 DRIFTINGS 



"But, pretty maid, you have false teeth, 

Your hair is thin and gray; 
For I can see it underneath 

The wig you wear to-day." 

"Wretch!" did then the maiden say, 

' ' To treat an orphan so ; 
Papa and mamma passed away 

Some thirty years ago. " 

"Then how old are you, miss?" said I, 

"If thirty years have gone 
Since they passed on;" and her reply 

Was — ' ' Sir, I 'm twenty-one ! " 

"But that don't jibe with thirty years 
You say you've been alone;" 

*Twas throwing words away, for still 
The little maid would have her will 
And shrieked: "I'm twenty-one!" 



DRI FTINGS 61 

BETRAYED 



Is there no justice for such as me, 

Must I be punished, and he go free? 

There is hate and murder in my heart to-night, 

I would avenge my own sad phght. 

He said, " We must part ! ' ' 'Twas a cruel blow 
To me, who had always loved him so; 
'Twas easy for him, with no love in his heart, 
To say so calmly — " We must part ! " 

I with my youth and blighted life. 
With the name of mother and not of wife; 
I trusted too well — all that he said, 
And waited the day that we should' wed. 

The gods will avenge, but the mills grind slow, 
And I cannot wait with my burden of woe; 
I will drink to the dregs this poisoned cup — 
And give the child at my breast a sup. 

They found her dead at early morn, 
Free from her sorrow and the world's cold scorn,. 
And he who had driven her to a suicide's goal 
Was left free to murder another fair soul. 



«2 DRIFTINGS 



SARCASM 



The ribald jest, the covert sneer 
That to the untried world appear 
The acme of intelligence, 
Sees no intent, or no offence. 
Words that leave a lasting smart, 
To sere and scar the loving heart; 
Tones that with their venom trace 
Lines of anguish on the face. 
The hurt is deep that brings a blush 
From looks that seek to blight and crush- 
Ye careless, heedless, passing throng. 
May have no thought of doing wrong; 
Yet ride the juggernaut all the day. 
And bruise and crush all in thy way. 



DRIFT INGS 63 



ALTER EGO 



When I am gone from earth 

Shed no tears for me; 

Rejoice that the proud soul is free 

To wander into space, 

To find its alter ego. 

The fates most kind 

Will help unite two souls long lost, 

That earth has held and anguish tossed, 

Each seeking its kindred soul. 

By all misunderstood. 

At last death's welcome goal, 

That leads to good, 

And brings to life, love, and happiness. 

That leaves behind sorrow and distress; 

And as the mists of heaven unroll 

What bliss to the immortal soul, 

To see within the celestial light 

Myriad angels. 

Clothed in white, 

With faces beaming as the sun, 

All hearts that beat in unison, 

Singing glad songs of welcoming. 



64 DRIFT INGS 



IN THE "GARDEN OF THE GODS" 



It was in the late glad summer-time, 
In Colorado's beauteous clime, 
We reached the place there, most sublime, 
The "Garden of the Gods. " 

As the sun sank in the golden west. 
The moon arose o'er the mountain crest, 
And mounting higher, seemed to rest 

O'er the "Garden of the Gods. " 

There's a look of awe on every face. 
We seem not mortals in this place, 
But beings of another race. 

In the "Garden of the Gods. " 

We seem surrounded by gods of wars. 
Perhaps we're on the planet Mars, 
Or descended from the lesser stars. 

In the "Garden of the Gods. " 

I wonder if it will ever be 
Again my lot on earth to see 
Such beauty and divine sublimity. 

As the " Garden of the Gods. " 

A great upheaval and resistless force 
Has raised these stones in their course, 
We can but feel this mighty source. 

In the "Garden of the Gods. " 



DRI FTINGS 65 



RETRIBUTION 



"Vengeance is mine ! " 
Saith the Lord. "I'll repay. " 
The transgressor must answer 
For his sins some day. 

And he who would by cant and lies 
Reach the land of paradise, 
Will find Nemesis at the gate 
Crying aloud: "Too late! Too late!" 



66 DRIFTINGS 



MY FIRST CIGAR 



'Twas in the old back garden, 

One sunny summer day; 
I sat beneath the apple tree 

And whiled the time away. 
The fun it was most glorious, 

No circus could compare; 
I felt that I was quite a man. 

For it was my first cigar. 

My mother called me from the door, 

"Come, Jimmy, dinner's ready!" 
I hid the stump, arose to go, . 

But my footsteps were unsteady. 
I could not walk, so down I sat, 

For dinner did not care, 
Oh, dear! I'm sick; what can it be? 

(It must be that cigar.) 

My mother called and called again, 

But no response I made; 
For I was sick, so very sick, 

Besides I was afraid; 
When mother knew what I had done, 

The rod she would not spare; 
I knew I'd ne'er forget the day 

I smoked my first cigar. 



DRIFT INGS 67 



She came at last, so frightened she, 

Out of her senses quite; 
"Why, Johnnie, dear, what ails you, son; 

You are so ghastly white?" 
And leaning over raised me up, 

And gently smoothed my hair; 
Just then she smelt the incense 

Of that fatal first cigar. 

I do not care to dwell upon 

What followed after that; 

For boys, perhaps, you all have had 

A seance with the "cat." 

I remember for a week or more, 

I sought a cushioned chair ; 

I know I'll ne'er forget the day 

I smoked my first cigar. 

Many years have passed since then, 
Now I smoke without restriction; 
No wife to hold me in restraint, 
Nor mother's jurisdiction. 
I know full well if I should wed, 
'Twould be another bar; 
So I'll remain a bachelor, 
In peace with my cigar. 



68 DRIFTINGS 



REQUEST 



Come all you pretty fair maids, 

And elder ladies, too. 
Join hearts and hands together, 

And see what you can do. 

You can knit and sew 

Make sweetmeats, too, 
Then with a liberal hand 

You can send them to our brave boys 
Way down in Dixie land, 

Where they do fight for you 
With gun and sword in hand — 

Help put rebellion down. 



DRIFTINGS 69 



WIFELY DUTY 



To know, yet not to know, 
To do what e'er man tells them to; 
To wash and bake, brew and churn, 
And every household duty learn. 
To do all things to please their lord 
Without thanks, by look or word ; 
But if the pies are baked too brown, 
Or if the beefsteak's overdone. 
They'll growl and grumble thro' the meal, 
Do anything to make you feel 
You have done some dreadful thing. 
Such troubles to the household bring. 
Then if you're most distracted by it, 
And take the rolling pin and shy it, 
Right at his head, — why, then, 
Your dubbed a shrew by all the men. 



70 DRIFTINGS 



SMILES 



Smile though the heart be breaking, 
The world don't want your tears; 

The smiles will ease its aching, 
And lighten the burden of fears. 

And the day of your sorrow and sadness 
Will come to a happy end; 

For smiles bring joy and gladness, 
Like the touch of an angel's trend. 

Smiles will lighten the burden 

Of every sorrowing heart, 
Your own as well as others ; then 

Smile and you've done your part. 



DRIFT INGS 71 



PARTED 



We met and loved, with passion sweet, 

And thought our happiness most complete; 

It was a fleeting, transient vision. 

Just a glimpse of life elysian. 

It was as if the clouds had parted. 

And from a rift a sunbeam darted; 

Out upon our mental sight 

Shone a ray of heavenly light. 

In that atmosphere of bliss, 

We knew naught but happiness; 

But our joy was not to last. 

For a shadow soon o'ercast 

All the sky of Love's domain, 

Never more to clear again — 

Thus it is with love and life, 

With hate and passion, peace and strife; 

Accept love's tokens while you may, 

Enjoy your roses of to-day. 

Too soon we see the roses fade, 

And learn that Love's a fickle jade; 

Then feast your senses in the gleam 

Of heaven's youth, in "love's young dream. " 



72 DRIFT INGS 



TRUTH 



Truth is like a beacon star, 
Shining in darkness and hght afar! 

Naught can dim the Hght of truth, 
Its Hght should be the guide of youth. 

In whose heart truth doth abide. 
No evil there can ever hide. 

All the virtue in the world, 

Is in the word of truth infurled. 

Truth, bright truth, the fairest gem, 
That shines within the diadem. 

It gilds the glorious crown of youth. 
This priceless gift of jewels, — truth. 

"If you would climb the hill of fame 
And write aloft an honored name:" 

Love and faith with hope combine. 
And with your laurels truth entwine. 



DRI FTI NGS 73 

FRIENDS 



We know not if our friends be true 

When life is sunny and bright ; 
'Tis when the hour of darkness comes 

That turns our day to night. 

'Tis when the friends, the good true friends, 

Will come to us in our need ; 
By the helping hand we then understand 

Who are our friends indeed. 

Words are naught but empty thought, 

Compared with an act of kindness; 
For a wily tongue is so often fraught 

With flattery that feeds our blindness. 

There's a ring of steel in the hearts that feel, 

And its truth the voice discloses; 
With a silent laugh we sift out the "chaff" 

That the wanton lip exposes. 

Then here's to the friends that misfortune trends 

To show their hearts are true ; 
The hand they clasp with a firm glad grasp, 

Gives strength and courage, too. 



74 DRI FTI NGS 



PRAYER 



Saviour, from thy throne on high, 

Listen to my plea; 
Teach me how to watch and pray, 

How to follow thee. 

Help me, Lord, all ills to bear 
With fortitude and grace; 

Teach me. Lord, to always wear 
A bright and smiling face. 

Keep me. Lord, from selfishness, 

Arrogance and pride; 
May truth and honor ever be 

Attendants at my side. 



DRI FTINGS 75 

REMINISCENCE 



How well do I remember, love, 

When we were young together ; 
Life looked to us, a vivid dream 

Of bright and sunny weather. 
I was a happy little maid, 

And you my gallant lover ; 
As hand in hand we walked across 

The field of blooming clover. 

Oh, those were happy, happy days — 

Too soon I did discover 
That you were false; in many ways 

A very fickle lover. 
I saw you with another girl, 

It made me "mad all over;" 
You held her hand, then, laughing, ran 

Across the field of clover. 

I was a maid of seven or more 

And you a boy of ten ; 
The years have come and gone, two score, 

There is many a change since then. 
We've had our share of grief and joy 

Since youthful days are over; 
As hand in hand, as girl and boy. 

We crossed the field of clover. 



76 DRIFTINGS 



PREDESTINATION 



Why care for the world's cold scorn; 
For in embryo, yet unborn 
Our life is planned; and if unfulfilled, 
We do not what God hath willed. 



ACROSTIC 



Edna, to thy trust be true, 
Doing what God bids thee do ; 
Never swerve from duty's side, 
Angels then will guard and guide. 

By thy acts bring peace and rest 
Unto those who love thee best ; 
Never cause them grief or pain. 
Not though all the world thee gain. 



ETERNITY 



As the wheels of time roll on, 
We're born, we live, we die anon ; 
It's not for mortals to discern 
The mysteries of the cycle's turn. 



DRI FTINGS 77 

TRANSITION 

It is not well that we should know 
From whence we come or whither go ; 

The flight of the soul 

To eternity's goal, 
Is seen by no mortal below. 

When we enter this life, we bring nothing to earth, 
Know not if our future be of sorrow or mirth ; 

No dreams of the past, 

Or visions forecast. 
Our predestination at birth. 

When the bony hand of death would clutch. 
We shrink away from his icy touch ; 

We pray and cry 

Are afraid to die, 
We love this earth too much. 

As the blind feel for the day god's beam, 
We grope across dark Lethe's stream; 

All this sad and cheerless way must go, 

And go alone, God wills it so; 
But the open door of Heaven redeem. 

Then why should we fret about the future to be, 
It's transition, not death, to eternity! 

But death is the door, 

And the only way o'er 
Is across the oblivion sea. 



78 DRIFTI NGS 



COLORADO 



Colorado, thou art wondrous fair, 
Land of sunshine and balmy air; 
Land of fruit, flowers and grain, 
Land with men of brawn and brain. 

Thy crags, thy mountains, whose cloud -crowned 

crests 
Cradle the eaglets in their nests; 
Thy fertile valleys and cultured plains,. 
That bring to the tiller his well-earned gains. 

Thy salubrious climate that gives thee health, 
Thy famous industries that bring thee wealth ; 
Thou art sure to reach the top in time, 
As thy fame extends to every clime. 



DRIFT INGS 79 



ABSENT 



Though seas may roll between us, dear, 
And years may come and go, 

My heart will ever turn to thee 
And with affection srlow. 



o' 



In all the world thou art the best, 
My heart yearns for thee now; 

I would fold thee fondly to my breast, 
Rain kisses on thy brow. 

And if I never see thee more 
Upon this mundane sphere, 

I'll meet thee on the other shore 
When the lights of heaven appear. 



LIFE 



A babe, a boy, a youth, a man; 

The years are naught, 
'Tis but a span. 
A priest, a sinner, a fool, a knave, 

The life for all, 
Is Fortune 's slave. 



80 DRIFTINGS 

I LOVE THEE SO 



I repeat thy words, soft and low : 

"I love thee so — I love thee so!" 

They twine, like tendrils, 'round my heart. 

And to my spirit peace impart. 

My very being seems to glow, 

When I repeat — "I love thee so!" 

When twilight falls and all is still, 
When thoughts of thee my bosom thrill; 
Again thy voice I seem to hear. 
It falls so mild upon my ear : 
Sweet the cadence, soft and low — 
"I love thee so — I love thee so!" 

And courage in my heart doth wake, 
I once again my burden take; 
I seem to feel thy presence near. 
Again thy voice, so sweet and clear: 
What greater boon can heaven bestow 
Than these dear words, "I love thee so!" 

And when I leave this world of pride. 

As heaven opens its portal wide 

To take my wandering spirit in, 

Away from this cold world of sin. 

The last I wish to hear or know 

Is thy dear lips, saying: " I love thee so! " 



DRIFTINGS 81 



BEAUTIFUL EYES 



Dark, soulful eyes, steadfast and true, 
Beautiful eyes of chestnut hue ; 
They taught me love of God and truth, 
Eyes that I worshipped in innocent youth. 
Those eyes to me 

Are like none other, 
The sunlit eyes 

Of my gentle mother. 

The eyes of my sweetheart are heavenly blue, 
They have a tinge of the deep sea, too; 
And in their pellucid depth I see 
Love, sweet trust, and faith in me. 
Eyes that I hope from 

Never to part. 
The beautiful eyes 

Of my own sweetheart. 



82 DRIFTINGS 



REQUIESCAT IN PACE 



Bury me deep 

In the deep, blue sea, 
Where no sound of the world 

Can come to me; 
Away from this life 

Of sorrow and woe, 
To sleep in the calm 

Cool waters below. 

Where the mermaid sings 

The livelong day, 
Darts hither and thither 

In innocent play; 
Where no sound of the tides 

That ebb and flow. 
Can disturb the rest 

Of the sleeper below. 

Bury me deep, deep. 

Deep in the sea. 

Where the ships that pass, 

Pass silently; 
When their white sails spread 

In the strong winds blow, 
Where no sound of the surface 

Disturbs me below. 



DRIFTINGS 83 

A LETTER 

WRITTEN TO THE DENVER PRESS CEUB. 

One day in late summer, some scribes from the East, 
Left Chicago for Denver (over a hundred at least) ; 
The Denverites met them with all the autos they 

had, 
And whisked them all over the town like mad. 
They saw the capitol and Governor, too. 
They saw the Mayor and all of his ' ' crew ; ' ' 
They took them up, they took them down, 
Until they'd seen all in the town. 
Out to the park, where they could see. 
Formed in flowers, "I. L. P. C." 
They gave souvenirs and an abundance of flowers, 
And feasted and feted them till the wee sma' hours. 
(These Westerner's did their very best, but did not 

give them time to rest.) 
They whirled them over the fertile plain, 
Up the mountains, then back again ; 
They could not tire these Eastern wights. 
They'd come out West to see the sights. 

They stood with pen and pad in hand. 

And tried to look so wise and bland ; 

They could not write, this awkward brood, 

They laid it to the altitude. 

They waltzed them 'round and about all night, 

And bounced them out at morning light; 

(They provided everything the best, 

But did not give them time for rest.) 



84 DRI FTI NGS 



They gave them sweets, they gave them fruit, also 

pumpkin pie. 
They ate so much in every place they thought that 

they would die. 
They took them to Leadville and Pike's Peak, 
To Glenwood Springs and Cripple Creek; 
To the "Garden of the Gods" and Maintou, 
(Where birds sang sweet and the scribes sang, too.) 
They gave them banquets and champagne galore, 
Until they wondered what more was in store; 
They needed a bath, they got it at last. 
On a cold raw day, up in Marshall 's Pass. 

They gave the Eastern scribes a treat. 

Their entertainment can't be beat; 

(They did their best — 'twas manifest. 

But did not heed their prayers for rest.) 

The Denver ladies Vv^re sweet and fair. 

And made their stay so pleasant there; 

They'll remember their kindness forever and aye, 

And they hope to meet them again some da3^ 

They will never forget the cordial clasp 

Of the Westerner's hand within their grasp 

There's a ring to the voice, both tender and true 

A welcome of gladness from the heart unto you — 

With many regrets they left the great West, 

They had to come home ; they needed a rest. 



DRIFTINGS 85 



REFLECTION 



It is only a woodland flower, 

But it brings back the freshness of youth ; 
It reminds one of home and the hour 

When I dreamed of the future, forsooth ! 

What revels, what honors, what glory, 

Lay fast in the future for me; 
And I basked in the beautiful story 

That fancy led me to see. 

I dreamed of the sunlight; no shadow 
Obscured the train of my thought; 

A vision of future greatness 

That my fanciful brain had wrought. 

But the youthful vision has faded 
Away with the vanishing years; 

The dream of joys and of glory 
Has ended in sorrow and tears. 



86 DRIFTINGS 

THE TRYST 

I am waiting in the arbor 
For one I love most dear; 
He's to meet me here at twihght, 
And I am Hstening now to hear 

His footstep strong and steady, 
That fortells a nature true; 
Ah, Hfe is worth the hving. 
As we our vows renew. 

Old earth is surely good enough. 
Why wish for paradise ? 
When one sees the light of heaven 
Shining in each other's eyes. 

LIFE 

What is this life? 
A ribald jest! 

That leads the soul to vague unrest. 
A fitful, restless, wanting — what? 
But to possess, then soon forgot. 

DEATH 

What is death? It's the open door 
That leads to joy forever more; 
Altho' to mortals seems unkind, 
In leaving loving friends behind. 



DRI FTINGS 87 



CHARITY 



Those who are shielded from all care, 
That have no earthly ills to bear, 
Know not the tortures of despair. 

Oh, you whose hearts are satisfied. 
What right have you to blame or chide 
Those to whom love has been denied. 

You who are sheltered by arms of love, 
Blest are you by powers above, 
Be not too quick to disapprove. 

Let charity in you generate. 
At least be most compassionate 
For those that are less fortunate. 

Have faith in the good that may accrue 
By giving hope to help them through. 
Let charity blend with all you do. 

Oh, faithful hearts, tried and true. 
There is peace and joy awaiting you 
Beyond the ethereal blue. 



88 DRIFT INGS 

LULLABY 

Where'er I roam, o'er land or sea, 
My mother's voice comes back to me, 
Altho' 'tis but a memory; 
On my Ustening ear, so sweet and clear, 
I seem to hear — "Lullaby, lullaby" — 
Go to sleep, my baby boy, 

Lullaby, lullaby; 
Angels guard thee from on high, 
Lullaby, lullaby. 

I hear it in the rustling leaves. 
Softly blown by the summer breeze, 
It to my aching heart brings ease; 
Soft and low, to and fro. 
Singing so — "Lullaby, lullaby ' ' — 

Go to sleep, my darling boy, 

Lullaby, lullaby, 
God will guard you from on high, 
Lullaby, lullaby. 

Memory gives me just a gleam 
Of those fond eyes that used to beam 
And mingle in my baby dream ; 
And I hear again the low, sweet strain 
Of the old refrain— " Lullaby, lullaby"— 
Byo-by-by, baby boy, 

Lullaby, lullaby; 
Angels watch thee from on high. 
Lullaby, lullaby. 



DRI FTINGS 89 



Where'er I roam, no time nor place 
Can ever from my brain efface 
.The soft, sweet Hnes of my mother's face; 
Or the voice so dear I used to hear 
In accents clear, singing — "Lullaby, lullaby — " 
Go to sleep, my baby boy, 

Lullaby, lullaby; 
Rock o'by, o'baby by, 
Lullaby, lullaby. 

I would that I could stay Time's flight, 
And be again a child to-night, 
In my mother's arms in the dim twilight; 
Rocked to and fro in the firelight's glow. 
And hear my mother singing low — "Lullaby, lulla- 
by." 

Go to sleep, my baby boy, 

Lullaby, lullaby; 
Angels guard you from on high, 
Lullaby, lullaby. 



90 DRI FTINGS 



ACROSTIC 



Golden hair of sunny hue, 
Underneath are eyes of blue ; 
Such a busy little bee, 
She's no butterfly, you see — 
In her love, and friendship, too. 
Ever faithful, staunch and true. 



FANCIES 



As fancy wanders I seem to see 
The alpine lands beyond the sea, 
The fleecy clouds that float above. 
Flecked with sunlight, slowly move. 
While hovering o'er the hilltops, seem 
I/ike snow-capped mountains as I dream ; 
And my fancy wanders, I see the same 
Alpine beauties of Switzerland's fame. 



DRI FTINGS 91 



INCONSTANT 



Like a fleecy cloud on the summer skies, 
Like a fragrant flower that blooms and dies; 
Like summer winds in a passing breeze 
Kisses and fondles the rustHng leaves — 
So is your love, so wanton and free, 
Fancying every fair face you see. 

Like a wanton that wastes God's holy hours, 
Like the bees that sip the sweets from the flowers; 
Like the sunlight dancing on every wave, 
Like the little rivulet the sand -shore lave — 
As the laugh of a child, in innocent glee, 
So is your love inconstant and free. 



92 DRI FTINGS 



SLUMBERLAND 



Now put away your little toys, 
For it is time that little boys 

Were thinking of going to sleep, 
For the shepherd is calling his good dog Bep 

To help him corral the sheep. 

Now they go, to and fro, 
For old Bep's barking puzzles them so; 
They have lost their mistress, little Bo-peep, 
So rock-a-bye, baby; go to sleep. 

Over they go, one by one. 
In tune to the shepherd's call; 
Round them up, my good dog Bep, 
Until you have corraled them all. 

Now they have them all at last. 
Then the shepherd makes everything fast; 
They go then to search for little Bo-peep; 
And find her, like baby, fast asleep. 



DRI FTI NGS 93 



INDECISION 



I have two lovers, and I'm sorely distressed, 
As I cannot decide which one I love best; 
It is really provoking, for each of them say, 
That I must give them my answer to-day. 

I told them 'twas best, better, by far, 
To let matters rest, just as they are; 
I love them both so dearly, you see, 
And they, the dear fellows, are so fond of me. 

Dear Charlie has brown eyes, so tender and true, 
Fred's eyes are beautiful, of sapphire hue; 
Both are tall, good-hearted and handsome, 
I would not give either for a king's ransom. 

They'd grieve to lose me, I feel very sure, 
And the loss of either I could not endure; 
I love one as well as the other. 
For they are my boys, as I am their mother. 



94 DRIFT INGS 



LIARS 



Lies ! Lies ! Nothing but lies, 

All day long from the time we arise; 

No matter how hard one tries, 
Whatever we do, 
The truth we eschew, 

It seems we can't live without lies. 

We walk on the street. 
Our acquaintances meet, 

The truth we wholly disguise; 
We don't want them at all. 
But we ask them to call. 

Smilingly telling our lies. 

We come home late, 
In a very bad state, 

And if wif ey is up to — surprise ! 
If she's a novice, 
The old "gag" 'bout the office 

Will help us out with our lies. 

But, O, my dear brother, 
If it should be her mother 

Who meets you, you tact must devise; 
You may fool your wife. 
But not "on your life" 

Do you deceive the old lady; she's "wise. 



DRIFT INGS 95 



There's the woman who faints 
When you talk about "taints, " 

Says the tempter never was nigh her; 
She may be deformed, 
Too good to be harmed, 

Or else she's a bit of a liar. 

"Old Nick" is wise, 
When he offers a prize, 

To put them in charge of the fires; 
In the region of flame 
They all have a name — , 

So he keeps a choice place for the liars. 

Now, here is a toast 

To the one who lies most, 

And a prize to the one who aspires; 
The devil's in advance. 
But he stands a poor chance 

With some of old Mother Earth 's Hars. 

And here is one more, 
To the man of fourscore. 

The greatest of all falsifiers; 
When he says that in youth, 
He ne'er spoke an untruth — 

Hats off to the king of the liars ! 



96 DRIFTINGS 

THE SOUL 



What is this that never dies, 

E'en though the body hes 

On the cold bier or in the silent grave? 

Whither goes this life 

That God gave unto this cold clay, 

That now so silent lies ? 

Ah, from the quiet lips 

Come no replies. 

For one fond look to light the glazing eye, 

Just one brief word 

From those cold lips to tell 

Whither flew this soul we have known — 

To heaven or hell? 

Or in some other mortal lives again 

To sorrow, joy or pain ? 



LOVE 



When love fills the heart, 
We can never do wrong; 

For the soul is enveloped, 
In an armor of song. 



DRIFT INGS 97 



FORGET ME NOT 



When flowers bloom upon my grave, 

In the silent churchyard lone; 
Will you kindly think of her 

Who lies beneath the stone ? 
Will you come sometime unto the place, 

Kneel on the hallowed spot; 
And breathe a prayer to heaven for me ?- 

I would not be forgot. 



DEATH 



The tired hands are folded 

On the pulseless breast, 
The passive features 

Seem so full of rest. 
And as we look upon the face, 
Without a line, without a trace 
Of all the suffering borne — 
Death of its terrors hath been shorn. 



98 DRIFTINGS 



GONE 



Thou art dead, dear one, 

Gone from my sight! 

And my heart is so sad and lonely to-night; 
Though I see thee no more, 

I feel thou art near, 

Whispering words of comfort and cheer. 

Like the snow that falleth. 

So soft and still, 

On thy new-made grave, on yonder hill: 
So thy low, sweet words 

Bring peace to me. 

Cheering the heart that is yearning for thee. 

DO YOUR BEST 

It is unfair, 
If talents rare 

Are given unto you; 
To let them lie 
Until you die — 

God gave you work to do. 

You must impart 
With all you heart, 

The best there is in you; 
Join heart and hand 
With the working band, 

And give the world its due. 



DRIFTINGS 99 



THE MAQDELENE 



Judge not too harshly, don't be unkind, 
In this vast world you scarcely will find 
One without sin, she is not alone — 
" He that is guiltless may cast the first stone. " 

Once she was pure as any of you. 
With a heart and soul both noble and true; 
But the tempter came, as he's oft come before, 
And entered the Eden, just as of yore. 

And the woman hstened, as others have done. 
His flattering words her pure heart won; 
A good life is wasted for ever and aye, 
That is why she's an outcast to-day. 

Hush! She is gone; let naught be said, 
To reflect on the past of one who is dead. 
Have mercy and charity, ye scoffers of sin. 
Ere casting the stone, look well within. 



100 DRIFT INGS 



OMAHA 

(Sung by International League of Press Clubs at a banquet in Omaha, 
Nebraska, to the tune of "Maryland, My Maryland.") 

We are happy here in Omaha, 

Omaha, dear Omaha; 
We know no creed, we know no law, 

Omaha, dear Omaha. 
We find the girls are sweet and fair, 
And so we find them everywhere. 
We'll own the town while weTare here, 

Omaha, dear Omaha. 

We are going home, farewell! farewell! 

Omaha, dear Omaha; 
You have treated us so well, so well, 

Omaha, dear Omaha. 
We'll try and thank you if we can, 
We are glad we're here, we'll come again. 
We'll meet you all in Birmingham, 

Omaha, dear Omaha. 



DRIFTINGS 101 



FAIRYLAND 



Once on a time, ye olden time, 
Gnomes and elfs in every clime 

Met to revel on the green, 
By order of their fairy queen. 

They knew not time, they knew not tears, 
Naught but pleasure filled the years. 

No strife for gain or sordid pelf 
Troubled the mind of gnome or elf. 

In woodland glens or leafy bowers. 
All day they slept among the flowers. 

But when the shades of night draws near. 
And one by one the stars appear. 

The moon comes forth so calm and bright, 
To lend her radiance to the night. 

Oh, beauteous queen, your vigil keep. 
When Nature has her beauty sleep. 

Oh, silent night, in fairy glades, 

What mysteries lies in your light and shades! 

The falling dews so softly weep, 
('Twould not disturb the fairies' sleep). 



102 DRIFTINGS 



The birds that twitter in the trees, 
The softly-sighing, gentle breeze. 

But, hark! Within the woodland dell 
The soft, sweet tinkling of a bell. 

It rings so low, but strong and clear. 
Yet mortal ears are too dense to hear. 

Its clarion tones reach every bower. 
Awakening the fairies in every flower. 

The bells keep ringing clear and strong. 
They are bringing out a goodly throng. 

They dance about upon the green. 
And await the coming of their queen. 

They will sport upon the green all night, 
'Till banished by the morning light. 

Dressed in robes of every hue. 
Purple, yellow, green, and blue. 

Robes of silvery shimmering white, 
Lustrous as the stars of night. 

Again upon the listening ear. 

The notes of a bugle sweet and clear. 



DRI FTINGS 103 



The fairy queen with her cavalcade, 
Is coming up the moonUt glade. 

A mortal would think it the murmuring breeze, 
Or a breath of summer wind among the trees. 

It's the rustle of wings on the evening air, 
The mounts of the courtiers and ladies fair. 

Butterflies, beetles, crickets, too, 
Brilliant insects of every hue. 

First came the knights in battle array. 

With their ghttering spears, leading the way. 

Courtiers in gorgeous apparel appears. 
Followed by nobles and gay cavaliers. 

Then came the queen, the beautiful queen. 
Dressed in a robe of silvery sheen. 

With diamonds and pearls from the dews of the night, 
That glittered and shimmered in the pale moonlight. 

Mounted on a katydid of emerald green. 
As beautiful a specimen as ever seen. 

With head erect and stately stride. 
He bore the queen with lofty pride. 



104 DRIFTI NGS 



He knew that much from him was expected, 
From all the winged insects he was selected. 

In this honor and joy he felt great delight, 
To carry the queen to the revel that night. 

All the fairies collected on the green, 
Went forth to meet their fairy queen. 

Escorting her to a throne they'd made, 
In a leafy bower in the moonlit glade. 

It was close upon the midnight hour, 
When there exudes from every flower 

A subtle fragrance, sweet and rare, 
That perfumes all the dewy air. 

The moon looked down serenely bright, 
The stars seemed twinkling with delight. 

The dancing brooklet, the sighing breeze, 
'Twas one of nature 's jubilees. 

They danced about upon the green, 
Before the throne of their fairy queen. 

They sang the songs they loved so well, 
The low, sweet music of the fairy dell. 



DRIFT INGS 105 



A belated mortal passing by- 
Stopped to view the fields and sky. 

He heard the singing in the wood, 
The revels of the fairy brood. 

To his mortal mind understood 

What he heard was nature's varying mood. 

"Ah, God," he said; "few mortals know 
The bounteous blessings thou doth bestow. 

"They think and dream of sordid things. 
Hear not the bird that sweetly sings. 

"To heaven seldom raise their eyes. 
Or see the beauty of the skies. " 

He heard the fairies ' bugle call, 
He thought it was the waterfall. 

He heard the zephyrs in the trees. 
It was fairy music on the breeze. 

He looked down in the little glen. 
And saw the cavalcade of men. 

He thought the glittering, shimmering mass 
Were the dews of night upon the grass. 



106 DRJFTINGS 



The shining spears of the elfin knights, 
He thought the fireflies' vanishing fights. 

He thought the tripping of fairy feet, 
Were crickets in the grasses sweet — 

The queen of night was fading fast. 
The fairies' revel was o'er at last. 

They bade each other a fond farewell, 
And vanished in the fairy dell. 

Then day awoke to rosy light. 

The day-god scattered the dews of night. 

Under the leaves or in flowers deep, 
Each fairy elf lies fast asleep. 



DRIFTINGS 107 

QETHSEMANE 



How many sorrowing souls there are, 

That would not the world shall see, 
How the heart has bled or the tears they've shed. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane. 

They would have it so — that the world shall not 
know 

The depth of their misery — 
So they laugh and talk and steadily walk 

In the Garden of Gethsemane. 

With grief so distressing they would deem it a bless- 
ing, 

If death would set them free ; 
But bow to God's will, who is with them still 

In the Garden of Gethsemane. 

In the Holy Grail there's a bloody trail, 

That only God can see ; 
To reach the throne we must pass alone 

Through the Garden of Gethsemane. 

How hopes are trod, deep in the sod. 

While struggling to be free; 
If God you obey, He will lead the way 

From the Garden of Gethsemane. 



108 DRIFTINGS 



ACROSTIC 



A band of scribes from the East one day, 
Knights of the pen and the pastepot they; 
Singing their songs, says the " Omaha Bee, " 
" A tune to the Dying Calf melody. " 
Right glad we are we came to see 
Beautiful Omaha — and Kennedy; 
Ever we'll remember the Mufti's den, 
Nebraska, Nebraskans and — Ak-Sar-Ben. 



SEP ., 



*9U/ 



